Public Meetings

November 2014

The Oregon Department of Energy is hosting two conference calls to discuss the Biomass Producer or Collector Tax Credit program. The purpose of these calls is to continue to fulfill the commitment made to stakeholders that the department would periodically provide program updates to stakeholders and other interested parties.

The same agenda will be used for both calls. The main discussion topics will include updates made to the tax credit application and a Legislative Concept (LC 581) proposed by the department.

This is not a rulemaking meeting but rather a meeting to gather information from stakeholders about how the program is operating. The department is not proposing to make any rule changes at this time.

Date:

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014

Time:

2:30 p.m.

Date:

Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014

Time:

3:00 p.m.

Call-in Number: 1-888-273-3658 Access code: 3125235

NOTE: To request an interpreter for the hearing impaired, or accommodations for persons with disabilities, please contact ODOE at least 72 hours before the meeting at 1-800-221-8035 or fax 503-373-7806. TTY users should call the Oregon Relay Service at 711. A phone to participate in the meeting will be available at the Oregon Department of Energy, 625 Marion Street NE, Salem, OR 97301 at time of each conference call.

The Oregon Department of Energy is hosting an informal conference call by sector for stakeholders interested in the Biomass Producer or Collector Tax Credit. During the call, staff will provide an overview of the rules that went into effect at the beginning of the year and seek input from stakeholders on current program operations.

This is not a rulemaking meeting, but a meeting to gather information from stakeholders about how the program is operating. The department is not proposing to make any rule changes at this time.

NOTE: To request an interpreter for the hearing impaired, or accommodations for persons with disabilities, please contact ODOE at least 72 hours before the meeting at 1-800-221-8035 or fax 503-373-7806. TTY users should call the Oregon Relay Service at 711.

January 2014

Woody Biomass Sector of the Biomass Producer or Collector Tax Credit

The Oregon Department of Energy invites woody biomass stakeholders for the Biomass Producer or Collector Tax Credit to discuss program operations. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss written comments received from woody biomass stakeholders during the 2013 rulemaking.

During the 2013 rulemaking, the department proposed adding statutory language to rule that inadvertently created consternation among stakeholders in the woody biomass sector. This meeting is to discuss the statutory and rule language and other aspects related to the biomass tax credit program for woody biomass producers or collectors. Please see the hearing officer report, http://www.oregon.gov/energy/docs/BPCHearingReport12.19.13.pdf

NOTE: To request an interpreter for the hearing impaired, or accommodations for persons with disabilities, please contact ODOE at least 72 hours before the meeting at 1-800-221-8035 or fax 503-373-7806. TTY users should call the Oregon Relay Service at 711.

Current Rulemaking

No current rulemaking at this time. The Oregon Department of Energy has completed the process to review and amend the Biomass Producer or Collector Tax Credit program rules.

This Committee and interested parties has completed its current rulemaking work providing input and suggestions for the Oregon Department of Energy to use in the development of administrative rules relating to certifying tax credits authorized in Oregon Revised Statutes 315.141 as amended by HB 2078 (2009)

July 26, 2011 (webinar)

The Oregon Department of Energy (Department) sought input on improvements to the Biomass Producer or Collector Tax Credit Certification Rules. The Department plans to begin a permanent rulemaking process in August and hosted a public information webinar to seek input and suggestions for improvements to our current rules.

During the webinar, the Department presented specific ideas for improvements to the existing rules. The Department is asking for input and suggestions from stakeholders and interested parties and presented the schedule and process for the permanent rulemaking, including the public comment period on draft rules.

The webinar was held July 26 from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

Title:

Public Information Webinar for Biomass Producer or Collector Tax Credit

Permanent rules filed for the Biomass Producer or Collector Tax Credit program

The permanent rules provide additional details about the application contents, clarify the eligibility of biomass feedstocks and activities, and increase the application fee for the tax credit program.

Extended Comment Period

Extended Comment Period

The Oregon Department of Energy is seeking written comments one more time on its proposed rule for the Biomass Producer or Collector Tax Credit program. The deadline for those comments is 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16, 2013, email comments to kathy.d.stuttaford@state.or.us.

The department held a public hearing in October on the proposed rule. After reviewing the comments, the department edited the proposed rule. The department is reissuing the proposed rule and providing an additional written comment opportunity before finalizing the rule.

Following the public meetings, ODOE will convene an advisory committee to discuss all proposed rule changes and gather more feedback. Official rulemaking will begin in the Fall and conclude by the end of the year.

To request an interpreter for the hearing impaired, or accommodations for persons with disabilities, please contact ODOE at least 48 hours before the meeting at 800-221-8035 or fax 503-373-7806. TTY users should call the Oregon Relay Service at 711.